Cone-Like Seal Assembly for Leak-Tight Conduit Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seal assemblies for medical and scientific processes often result in leaks due to multiple components, increasing assembly costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A seal apparatus with a cone-like configuration and intermediate section designed to compress and expand, forming multiple seals around a structure's opening to create a fluid-tight connection with flexible conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seal assemblies with multiple components (nuts, washers, quick connect features) are used, then the seal can be formed, but the assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional seal components (nuts, washers, quick connect features) into a single integrated seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a body portion with sealing surfaces and a conduit coupling mechanism integrated directly into the structure, eliminating the need for separate fastening and sealing components while maintaining reliable sealing performance.
2Reliability
If traditional seal assemblies with multiple components are used, then the seal can be formed, but the assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single manufactured component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be procured, inventoried, and assembled. The seal assembly is designed as a unified structure that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, reducing labor costs and assembly time while maintaining effective sealing.
3Reliability
If the first section is dimensioned with a diameter greater than the opening, then a reliable seal is formed after expansion, but the passage through the opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The first section of the seal assembly is designed with collapsible or expandable characteristics that allow it to dynamically change its outer diameter. During installation, the section can be compressed to a smaller diameter to pass through the opening, then expands to its larger sealed configuration once positioned, ensuring both easy installation and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly incorporates flexible material properties that allow the first section to deform during passage through the opening. The flexible construction enables the section to compress radially inward during installation and then rebound to form a tight seal against the opening surfaces, combining installation ease with sealing reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures a reliable, air and fluid-tight seal with flexible conduits by compressing and expanding sections to fit various surfaces, reducing leaks and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The first section is configured to be temporarily compressed and/or collapsed during passage through the opening of the structure, and configured to expand to an original expanded configuration after passage through the opening of the structure
Implementation Method 2
During assembly of the seal apparatus with the structure, the intermediate section can be compressed within the opening of the structure to create a seal between the intermediate section and the opening of the structure
Implementation Method 3
Inner walls of the first and second sections are configured to be compressed against opposing surfaces of the structure due to the dimensional difference between the length of the intermediate section and the thickness of the structure at the opening
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a seal apparatus for sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at the opening. The seal apparatus includes a first section disposed at a proximal end, a second section disposed at a distal end, and an intermediate section disposed between the first and second sections. The first section defines a cone-like configuration. An opening extends through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section.